The Supreme Court of India has appointed a 5-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged adulteration of Tirumala laddu, a popular prasad offered at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). The SIT will comprise two CBI officers, two AP State Police officials, and one FSSAI representative. The investigation will be monitored by the CBI Director.

Responding to the court's order, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed his full support for the independent probe. I welcome the Hon'ble Supreme Court's order of setting up SIT... to investigate the issue of adulteration of Tirupati laddu, he tweeted.

The court has directed the SIT to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter, free from any political interference. The appointment of CBI officers to the team ensures that the probe will be carried out with the highest degree of professionalism and integrity.

The Tirumala laddu controversy has sparked widespread public outrage and raised serious concerns about the safety and quality of food products sold at religious shrines. The allegations of adulteration have tarnished the reputation of the TTD, one of India's most revered religious institutions.

The Supreme Court's decision to order an independent investigation is a significant step towards addressing these concerns and restoring public trust in the TTD. The SIT will have to examine the entire supply chain of the laddu, from the procurement of raw materials to the distribution of the final product. They will also need to interview TTD officials, suppliers, and consumers to gather evidence and identify any potential wrongdoing.

The outcome of the investigation will have far-reaching implications for the TTD and the religious tourism industry in India. If the allegations of adulteration are proven to be true, it could lead to criminal charges against those involved and reforms to the TTD's food safety practices.

The Supreme Court's order is a clear message to religious institutions across India that they must prioritize the safety and quality of the products they offer to devotees. The SIT's investigation will be closely watched by the public and the media, and its findings will be crucial in determining the future of the Tirumala laddu and the TTD itself.